Intrepid Travel has acquired a majority shareholding in Australian adventure tourism business and destination management company JOOB (Jump Out Of Bed).
Perth-based JOOB runs trips in every Australian state and territory (except ACT) and has operational bases across the country, including popular – but remote and operationally complex – tourist areas such as Alice Springs.
It’s made up of three brands – walking company Inspiration Outdoors, adventure tour specialist Waratah Adventure Tours and Perth kayaking business Sea Kayak Rottnest Island – offering guided tours in Australia’s most iconic nature-based tourism destinations.
Under the deal, JOOB CEO Simon Mendelawitz will join Intrepid as general manager of its Australian DMC.
The JOOB acquisition will bolster the growth of Intrepid’s DMC in Australia, which was set up in 2021 to respond to the growing demand for local travel, and support Intrepid’s vertical integration structure.
Intrepid’s acquisitions in the past 12 months include a majority stake in Haka Tours and ANZ Nature Tours in New Zealand, specialists in nature-based and cultural tours, and Wildland Trekking in the US, which operates low-impact, eco-conscious guided treks in iconic wilderness areas and national parks.
Intrepid has also invested in sustainable accommodation business, CABN.
These businesses complement and further strengthen Intrepid’s global offering via its existing DMCs in 26 countries.
DMCs operate the majority of Intrepid’s trips, as well as itineraries for other leading travel brands.
In Australia, Intrepid has grown its range by 45 per cent since 2019 and offers 66 trips, in all states and territories (expect ATC), with a strong focus on active and outdoor experiences such as walking, trekking, cycling and First Nations inclusions. Intrepid’s three most popular itineraries in Australia reflect this – Uluru & Kings Canyon; Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield Adventure and Trek the Larapinta Trail – all in the remote Northern Territory.
“We’ve built exceptional global operational capability over the years and Intrepid’s vertical integration has been a core part of our strategy. However, the missing piece has been our own DMC in Australia. JOOB completes the puzzle,” said James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO.
“I’m delighted to welcome Simon and the JOOB team to Intrepid. Together, we will develop even more exceptional trips for our own customers, as well as other leading travel brands, taking more travellers to the most remarkable and rugged parts of Australia.”
Featured image: Intrepid Travel Flinders Ranges Arkaroola
